Writer’s Block from June 12, 2010:
If you could choose to control your dreams, would you? If so, what would you dream about?
I do control my dreams to a certain extent. The technique is called lucid dreaming and I learned it as a method for controlling nightmares1. I started by simply keeping track of my dreams and eventually got to the point of being aware when I was dreaming. From there, it wasn’t difficult to learn control.
In my case, I’ve chosen not to learn complete control; I was satisfied when I developed the ability to wake myself up when I wanted to. That left me free to explore my own subconscious, in a somewhat self-directed manner, without being afraid. If things get too awful, I can get out2.
I haven’t always liked what I found. But I’ve made some pretty fascinating discoveries in there, and they’ve often been useful. People compliment me on my ability to “think sideways” sometimes. It’s a direct result of being consciously in touch with my subconscious and, by extension, my intuition. That’s a pretty powerful tool.
Some of my best ideas have come from dreams. So have some of my best solutions: I’ve intentionally brought a particular issue to my thoughts as I’ve been falling asleep and then woken up with an answer.
Many people who have nightmares develop a terror of sleep. I could have, but I’m happy that I learned to control my dreaming instead. It’s turned them from something scary to something useful and even, sometimes, enjoyable.
- Nightmares are a common symptom of mental illness; I’ve traced mine to that cause based on journaling. Just knowing that they’re a symptom and not a latent problem makes a big difference when it comes to handling them.
- This is one reason I tell people never to try and wake me from a nightmare. If it gets bad enough, I’ll get out of it on my own. If I’m still in it, then it’s at least partially by choice and waking me up may prevent me from working out whatever I’m trying to work out.